Fourteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the vandalization of vehicles belonging to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) at the residence of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Kitale.
In a statement on Thursday, May 22, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects are accused of vandalizing EACC vehicles and obstructing the officers from executing their official duties.
DCI said the arrests follow a joint operation by a multi-agency team comprising local law enforcement in Trans Nzoia West and detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Unit.
"Investigations into the violent incident that occurred during which officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were unlawfully obstructed while carrying out their official duties have yielded significant progress.
"The multi-agency team comprising local law enforcement officers in Trans Nzoia West augmented by detectives from DCI Headquarters Operations Unit, conducted an operation that led to the arrest of 14 suspects connected to acts of malicious damage and stealing at the residence of Trans Nzoia County Governor," the statement read.
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The suspects taken into custody include Leon Ikua, Brian Mutonyi, James Maina, Churchil Ambula, Chirispus Kingara, Joseph Kakanja, Daniel Kanyingi and Levy Kiprotich.
Others are John Kamau, Benjamin Bukhala, Lavingtone Kipkemboi, Isaac Nyongesa Wanyonyi Wasike, Tonny Wafula Wasike, and Ismael Juma.
The DCI further confirmed that the operation is still ongoing, with efforts focused on capturing additional individuals believed to have orchestrated or supported the attack.
“The operation is ongoing, with efforts currently focused on apprehending additional suspects, including financiers, facilitators, and ring leaders behind the incident,” the statement concluded.
All the suspects are police custody pending further action.
On Monday, May 19, rowdy youth destroyed cars that was being used by EACC detectives during the raid at Natembeya's home.
In the incident that occurred outside Natembeya's home in Milimani Estate, the SUVs' windows were completely smashed.
The youth also managed to access the interior of the vehicle and caused damage to the car seats
In response to the incident, EACC condemned the action of the youth, further warning that action would be taken against those who obstruct officers from undertaking their duties.
"The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission Officer while undertaking investigations.
"This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties with professionalism and integrity," the statement read in part.
